You are using an out-of-date version of the Internet Explorer web browser. For a better experience on our website, please use a different web browser or update your Internet Explorer to version 8 or higher. Click here for more information.

Morning: Begin the morning with program orientation. Then, depart for an excursion to Old Delhi. Drive past the Red Fort, and then go on a bicycle rickshaw ride around the heart of Chandini Chowk, - named for the silver merchants - navigating narrow alleyways, and a bustle of people, to end at Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim mosque in India. Continue on to the Raj Ghat - the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit Gandhi's house, now a museum, where the ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi lived, received most of his famous visitors and was assassinated. Learn about the life and principles of Gandhi during a presentation by a local expert. Return to the hotel.

Morning: Led by your Study Leader, attend a lecture on the Indian system of government - the world's largest parliamentary democracy - en route to New Delhi. Then discover New Delhi's monuments: India Gate, the Parliament House, and the government secretariat buildings at Connaught Place. Continue to the National Museum for an expert-led visit that explains the essence of classical Indian art.

Lunch: Lunch on your own.

Afternoon: The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore independently or, continue to the Bahai Temple with your Study Leader.

Description: The Trident, Agra, set amidst beautiful gardens, fountains, landscaped central courtyards, is built of red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era. The Hotel is literally, a stone's throw away from one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.

Morning: Depart to Agra. En route, your Study Leader presents an overview of Indian History.

Lunch: At the hotel in Agra.

Afternoon: Visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb. Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the ‘Baby Taj’, is the first monument in India built entirely in marble. The tomb was built between 1622 and 1628 by the Queen of Jahangir, Nurjahan as a memorial to her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Then Join a local expert to learn about Moghul history as you cross the Yamuna River in the late afternoon, and watch as the sun sets over the Taj Mahal.

Description: The Trident, Agra, set amidst beautiful gardens, fountains, landscaped central courtyards, is built of red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era. The Hotel is literally, a stone's throw away from one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Six: Tuesday, February 10 - Taj Mahal

Breakfast: In the hotel upon return from the Taj Mahal.

Morning: Set out pre-dawn to watch the rising sun bathe the pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal in warm hues of gold, ochre and orange. Take some time to explore the exquisite grounds and view the highly decorated inside chamber. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Next, visit Agra Fort. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace.

Description: Dera Lake View Retreat is a perfect hidden getaway, a picture of serene beauty set among the golden wheat and mustard fields at the end of a monsoon lake in the lap of Arravali hills. It is a village destination that lies just a few kilometres off the least explored stretch of the Golden Triangle that helps complete your journey and introduces you to the people and cultures of ‘Meena’ tribe.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Each cabin has private bathrooms with showers and running hot and cold water.

Day Seven: Wednesday, February 11 - Remote Villages of Rajasthan and Camel Ride

Note: Transfer to Kalako will take about 4 hours with rest stops.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart to Kalakho.

Lunch: Upon arrival at the Dera Village Retreat.

Afternoon: Set out on a camel trek, either riding a camel or in small carts pulled by camels, to a nearby village belonging to the colorful Meena tribal group. The Bhil (Tribal) Meena are a tribal group found in the state of Rajasthan in India. According to some traditions, they are said to be descended from those Meenas and Rajputs who, in the wars between their own tribes or with Muslims, were compelled to quit their native home and seek refuge in the vastness of Rajputana, where they formed alliances with the aboriginal families and established tribe. Visit their traditional mud huts, decorated with floral and animal designs on the walls and floors and interact with the residents.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy traditional Rajasthani folk dances and try a few steps with the dancers.

Description: Dera Lake View Retreat is a perfect hidden getaway, a picture of serene beauty set among the golden wheat and mustard fields at the end of a monsoon lake in the lap of Arravali hills. It is a village destination that lies just a few kilometres off the least explored stretch of the Golden Triangle that helps complete your journey and introduces you to the people and cultures of ‘Meena’ tribe.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Each cabin has private bathrooms with showers and running hot and cold water.

Day Eight: Thursday, February 12 - The Abhaneri Step Wells and Local Culture

Breakfast: Breakfast at the retreat.

Morning: Explore the small village of Abhaneri and one of India's deepest and largest stepwells. These unique steps were built in the 12th century as a water supply, as cool places of resort and for ritual cleansing before a visiting the adjoining Harshita Mata temple. Interact with local children at a village school.

Lunch: In the retreat.

Afternoon: Choose free time to relax or learn how to play Cricket, the national sport of India. In the late afternoon, for those interested, an active (Level 6) nature hike explores the nearby mountains.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Early Evening, before dinner, Your Study Leader presents an overview of the history, culture and people of Rajasthan.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Nine: Friday, February 13 - The Pink City of Jaipur and Dinner in a Historic ...

Note: Transfer to Jaipur will take about 3 hours.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: This morning, depart for the colorful city of Jaipur. En route, your Study Leader discusses the "caste system". Learn about the evolution of the caste system and it's deep roots in Indian society.

Lunch: In the hotel in Jaipur.

Afternoon: This afternoon, experience the essence of Jaipur as you take in the riot of colors and activities on a walk through the city's local market. Then choose to further explore the city center on your own.

Dinner: Share an exclusive evening in the company of a Rajasthani Family in their traditional Rajasthani home, a Haveli.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Ten: Saturday, February 14 - Amber Fort/City Palace/Jantar Mantar

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Discover the 11th century Amber Fort, situated 7 miles north of Jaipur and established as the original capital of Rajasthan, six centuries before the construction of Jaipur. Continue to the Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds, whose elaborate, honeycombed sandstone is a famous icon of the city.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the City Palace, still the Maharaja's residence but largely given over to a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armory. Last, visit Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by city founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, between 1727 and 1734, the Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved in India.

Description: The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore is just steps from excellent shopping at the Mall of Mysore and a few minutes from major attractions, including the Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo and fine art museums.
• This Mysore hotel's location is near convenient transport options and just a 10-minute drive from Mandakalli Airport.
• The hotel boasts 140 spacious, modern rooms and suites with top-notch amenities.
• Guests can dine at one of this Mysore hotel's world class restaurants, and enjoy a drink at one of the trendy on-site bars or lounges.
• This accommodation offers excellent service options, including fitness and beauty facilities and an exotic spa providing indulgent treatments.
• Host elegant meetings and events in the hotel's spacious conference facility, capable of hosting up to 600 delegates.
• Free high-speed, wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Description: The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore is just steps from excellent shopping at the Mall of Mysore and a few minutes from major attractions, including the Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo and fine art museums.
• This Mysore hotel's location is near convenient transport options and just a 10-minute drive from Mandakalli Airport.
• The hotel boasts 140 spacious, modern rooms and suites with top-notch amenities.
• Guests can dine at one of this Mysore hotel's world class restaurants, and enjoy a drink at one of the trendy on-site bars or lounges.
• This accommodation offers excellent service options, including fitness and beauty facilities and an exotic spa providing indulgent treatments.
• Host elegant meetings and events in the hotel's spacious conference facility, capable of hosting up to 600 delegates.
• Free high-speed, wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Twelve: Monday, February 16 - The Palace of Tipu Sultan and Dinner in a Private...

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Explore Srirangapatnam and the Somnath Temple. Srirangapatnam, the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, is the legendary "Tiger of Mysore" who put up a valiant fight against British domination. The high stone walls and moats enclose the palaces, temples and a great mosque. Tipu's summer palace, with its beautiful frescoes, the tombs of Tipu and Hyder Ali at Gumbaz, Royal Mosque, Wellesley Bridge and the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple are other monuments from its glorious past.

Lunch: In the hotel.

Afternoon: Presentation by your Study Leader on the "Introduction to Indian Mythology". Explore the lively local market with its colorful flower, fruits and vegetables.

Dinner: In the home of a local Kodava family, experience a taste of authentic Kodava cuisine and culture. The Kodava, also known as Coorg tribal people are a 'martial race' with a tradition of ancestor worship.

Description: The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore is just steps from excellent shopping at the Mall of Mysore and a few minutes from major attractions, including the Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo and fine art museums.
• This Mysore hotel's location is near convenient transport options and just a 10-minute drive from Mandakalli Airport.
• The hotel boasts 140 spacious, modern rooms and suites with top-notch amenities.
• Guests can dine at one of this Mysore hotel's world class restaurants, and enjoy a drink at one of the trendy on-site bars or lounges.
• This accommodation offers excellent service options, including fitness and beauty facilities and an exotic spa providing indulgent treatments.
• Host elegant meetings and events in the hotel's spacious conference facility, capable of hosting up to 600 delegates.
• Free high-speed, wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Morning: Set out for the nearby Chamundi Hills, Chamundeshwari temple is situated on the top of Chamundi hill. The temple is dedicated to Sri Chamundeshwari, the titular deity of the Mysore Royal Family also described as "Mahishasura Mardini" for having killed the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura. where the 12th century temple of. Then visit Mysore Palace, the official residence of the Wodeyars - the erstwhile royal family of Mysore. Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style, the architectural style of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture.

Description: Windflower Spa & Resort, Wayanad, is a getaway that invites you to pamper your senses with a unique spa and resort set in 27 acres of coffee estate. In keeping with the Windflower spirit of evolving from the natural beauty of the surroundings, it brings you a very distinctive look and mood. Just a five hours drive from Bangalore, this very private retreat with all its contemporary luxuries, awaits you. Nestled in a hillock, amidst a sprawling coffee plantation, you will find the misty slopes, the aroma of coffee and spices welcoming you as you enter a world of gourmet cuisines, exciting adventure and leisure options and a choice of wellness therapies – a world of intimate experiences that will surely make you forget the mundane.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Fourteen: Wednesday, February 18 - The Hill Station of Wyanand

Note: Must be comfortable sitting on a 7 to 8 hour drive with bus stops.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart on a full-day drive to the Hill Station of Wyanand. En route, travel what has been described as one of the most picturesque drives in India. As the road winds through Bandipur National Park, look out for monkeys playing along the road side and possibly a rare glimpse of the elephants who sometimes inhabit these forests. Cross from Karnataka into the state of Kerala.

Lunch: Lunch enroute at a plantation. After lunch, take a walk with the plantation owner to learn about the spice crops grown in this area.

Afternoon: Continue to Wyanand. Briefly stop at a Tea Plantation. Enroute your Study Leader discusses Colonial rule and how spices of Kerala influenced world history.

Description: Nestled amid 50 acres of peaceful, natural beauty in the hills surrounding Palakkad, the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort is a traditional Ayurvedic retreat. With its unique focus on healthful living, the resort is designed to rejuvenate the guest.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Fifteen: Thursday, February 19 - Learn about Ayurveda

Note: Drive to Thrissur will take about 5 hours with rest stops.

Breakfast: In the resort.

Morning: Depart to Thrissur, winding through the scenic hills. Your Study Leader presents the cultural and social importance of festivals in Indian society.

Lunch: Lunch at the local restaurant.

Afternoon: A local Ayurveda expert gives a presentation on Ayurveda then leads a walk through the herb garden to learn the medicinal properties of each plant. The remainder of the morning is at leisure to relax.

Description: Nestled amid 50 acres of peaceful, natural beauty in the hills surrounding Palakkad, the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort is a traditional Ayurvedic retreat. With its unique focus on healthful living, the resort is designed to rejuvenate the guest.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Sixteen: Friday, February 20 - The Art of Kathakali/Take Part in a Local Festiva...

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart for Kalamandalam. Founded in 1930 by renowned poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon, Kalamandalam is a residential center of learning for art and culture. On a special visit of the classes, observe how students learn about the traditional dance and theater form of Kathakali.

Lunch: Lunch in the river hotel.

Afternoon: Mid-afternoon, go to the village center to witness the pageantry and events of a traditional temple festival. Take part in the festivities as bejeweled elephants parade through the streets pulling colorfully decorated carts.

Description: Originally called a "Kettuvallum" (meaning rice barge), the shallow and rounded hull of Keralan houseboats are constructed without using a single nail. Built in the same manner for centuries, the traditional use was to transport goods through the placid waterways of the lagoons and their tributaries. The two-deck boats feature hand carved pillars and traditional doors with intricate Keralan brass locks. One large houseboat accommodates 9 passengers, additional houseboats accommodate 4 passengers each in twin-bedded cabins.

Room amenities: All cabins are located on the lower deck and have a large picture window, air-conditioning, and are simply-furnished with two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, hot and cold water.

Facility amenities: A single flight of stairs joins the lower and upper deck, where the air-conditioned dining area, sitting room and open-air sun deck are located.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Seventeen: Saturday, February 21 - Kerala Backwaters

Note: Must be able to sit for a long time. The drive from Palakkad to the Kerala Backwaters will take 7 hours with rest stops along the way.

Breakfast: In the hotel. (Morning Yoga for all those interested before breakfast.)

Morning: Depart on a full-day drive to the Backwaters of Kerala. As you descend from the hills into Kerala's tropical coastal area, observe the changing landscapes.

Lunch: In a local restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Continue the drive, arriving at the riverside meeting point in the late afternoon to board privately-charted traditional Keralan houseboats and begin cruising. Enroute,Your Study Leader discusses how Kerala is a prosperous progressive state while remaining Communist.

Dinner: Just before sunset, your houseboats tie up for the night and dinner is served on board.

Description: Originally called a "Kettuvallum" (meaning rice barge), the shallow and rounded hull of Keralan houseboats are constructed without using a single nail. Built in the same manner for centuries, the traditional use was to transport goods through the placid waterways of the lagoons and their tributaries. The two-deck boats feature hand carved pillars and traditional doors with intricate Keralan brass locks. One large houseboat accommodates 9 passengers, additional houseboats accommodate 4 passengers each in twin-bedded cabins.

Room amenities: All cabins are located on the lower deck and have a large picture window, air-conditioning, and are simply-furnished with two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, hot and cold water.

Facility amenities: A single flight of stairs joins the lower and upper deck, where the air-conditioned dining area, sitting room and open-air sun deck are located.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eighteen: Sunday, February 22 - Kerala Backwaters Exploration

Breakfast: Aboard your houseboat.

Morning: Enjoy a full day of cruising the Backwaters into the countryside along tranquil waterways for a view into rural life. Passing skiff-fishermen in their cockleshell boats; large flotillas of ducks waddling down to the water from thatched houses on the banks; women, neck-deep in water, with their waist-length hair heaped in a crown, searching for fish with their feet and the aimless cattle who graze in lush pasture-land. Stop in water-side villages along the way and walk the paths that front the small houses to observe daily life.

Lunch: Aboard your houseboat.

Afternoon: Continue cruising and observing life on the water. You are just as much of interest to the village residents, as they are to you, waving and calling out as the boats pass by. An abundance of birdlife is found in the area. The houseboats tie up at sunset, to overnight along the water’s edge.

Dinner: Aboard your houseboat.

Evening: Early evening, before dinner, attend a presentation: "Traditional Boat Building of Kerala."

Description: Conveniently located on downtown Marine Drive, Ernakulam’s busiest commercial hub, the hotel is 45 minutes from the airport. The hotel offers some of the best business amenities, restaurants and a view of the backwaters and the Cochin Harbour, making it just the place for business and pleasure.

Note: The drive to Cochin once you disembark the boat will be 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard your houseboat.

Morning: Disembark the houseboats and meet the motorcoach for the drive to Cochin. Stop at a coir factory and shipbuilding yard to learn first hand about boat building in Kerala. Arrive mid-day in Cochin.

Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Explore Cochin on a guided walk. Visit The "Dutch Palace”, built in the 1550s by the Portuguese and taken over by the Dutch, who later presented it to the Rajas of Cochin. The palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - which gives the effect of polished marble. Visit The Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 and considerably embellished in the mid 18th century by Ezekiel Rahabi, who built a clock tower and paved the floor of the synagogue with hand- painted tiles brought all the way from Canton in China.

Morning: Free Time. The center of historic Cochin is easily walkable, with many small shops and market stalls interspersed with the Colonial architecture of this coastal city. You can also join your Study Leader for a visit of the local market.

Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Free time to explore the shops and streets of the Jewish quarter or relax. 5 p.m. Depart to the airport.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!